Tsai was born in Malaysia, but has worked extensively in Taiwan and is one of the most eminent figures among the ‘Second New Wave’ of Taiwanese directors.

Another Yang Family Saga. A bit of a muddle, but it seems Ronny Yu is continuing on plans to make his version of the 14 Amazons tale but with a male cast including, possibly, Louis Koo, Huang Xiaoming, Wu Chun, Raymond Lam and Ethan Ruan. Producer Raymond Wong hopes to also invite Lynn Xiong, Angelababy, Fan Bingbing and Betty Sun Li. Originally hired to work on the Jackie Chan produced version, Ronny Yu was canned after a disagreement with investors and Frankie Chan stepped in. Fan Bingbing has been mentioned as in contention for roles in both versions. (21cn)

Gong Mi

Gong Mi has finished shooting Bruce Lee, My Brother and will move on to working on Gordon Chan’s Wall Painting. (Xinhua)

Faye Wong may be adding a Taiwan stop to her comeback tour January 21-23 at Taipei Arena according to the latest reports. (Xinhua)

Cecilia Chung’s ailment might be a result of her speedy childbirths. The strain of being pregnant with sons Lucas and Quintus in a span of three short years might have put stress on the actress’s back, claimed reports.

John Woo’s “A Better Tomorrow” showed the world what Hong Kong noir was all about, and the Korean remake of the 1986 classic is now awaiting release on Chuseok next month, with the support of Woo as a producer.

Tony Leung Ka-Fai and Kelly Lin are filming a thriller in Xi’an directed by Zhang Qi. Tony plays a mysterious doctor that has to solve six puzzles each one more suspenseful than the last. He has an ambiguous relationship with Kelly Lin. Filming should complete in September.

The back story relationship of Wu Jing and Zhang Jingchu was edited out of City Under Siege (21cn)

Andrew Lin brings his art exhibition to Beijing. He will begin work on Tony Ching Siu-Tung’s White Snake in September. Andrew worked on the special effects design on Alien 3 while living in the US before returning to Hong Kong and becoming an actor. He came out of retirement to work on special effects make-up for Josie Ho’s highly regarded Dream Home. He hopes to raise the level of Chinese special effects in the 3D White Snake which has a HK$10M special effects budget.

Hong Kong Filmmakers from the industry’s professional body composed of ten members, including: Hong Kong Film Directors, Screen Writers Association of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Society of Cinematographers, the Hong Kong Film Arts Association, Hong Kong Movie Production Executives Association, the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts Association, Hong Kong Cinematography Lighting Association, the Hong Kong Stuntman Association, the Hong Kong Film Association and the Hong Kong film post-editing professional associations, covering more than 1,800 workers over the film, as the industry’s key organizations and non-profit organizations. Committed to the protection and the protection of rights and interests of Hong Kong Filmmakers, Filming in Hong Kong to upgrade to improve the environment, as well as industry and government circles as a bridge.

Over the years the Federation of actively promoting the film industry, from film policy, education and training, which had spared no effort to promote Hong Kong films. Including the SARS outbreak during the launch, “1:99 Shorts” short film inspirational cheer for the people of Hong Kong; for the industry shortage of talent and established “film professional training program”; launched the “Hong Kong Film Workers professionally produced guidelines and Industrial Safety Manual” and so on.

Since this is the first time Andy has received a nomination at the festival, the star revealed that he will be attending the event to walk the red carpet.

Li Bingbing was also excited to be able to return to the Venice Film Awards again after 10 years.

“Ten years ago, Zhang Yuan won Best Director for his movie Seventeen Years which I acted in; now I’m presented with a chance to step on the red carpet again. I guess you can say this is my 10-year-pact with Venice.”

Carina is reportedly going to give the event a miss due to ‘matters at home’. Speculations are rife that she is trying to avoid the spotlight due to recent reports that she has been seeing a Chinese businessman behind her hubby’s back.

Wang Quan’an clarifies rumors: Tang Wei has not been invited to join the cast of White Plain Deer. Male and female leads still undetermined. In other news, investors have been constantly changeing. Recently, one of the major investors in the film has also pulled out. Wang is considering a consortium of investors. (Sina)

Collin Chou came from a family of 13 brothers and sisters. His father died when he was young. In order to get an education, his mother sent him and his brothers to an orphanage. He started apprenticing at age 6 by learning to carve, by 9 years of age he apprenticed at a bakery so the family could eat bread. When he was 12 he was working the ovens at the bakery. Next door to the bakery, he learned to use nunchukus. Later, he move to Taiwan and learned to fight and worked in films as a stand-in. (Sina)

A grand premiere in Beijing is scheduled for Aug.1. Benny Chan’s pal Jackie Chan is reportedly going to appear to help support the film. Then, it will be on to Shanghai and Guangzhou to launch the film before a national release. (Sina)

Tsui Hark’s martial-arts thriller “Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame” will be the only Chinese-language film to compete for the top honor at this year’s Venice International Film Festival, organizers have announced.

Zhang was said to have been planning this film since last year, but the project got shelved due to funding problems after she became embroiled in a string of high-profile scandals.

Jo Hisaishi

Producer Ma Ke, Joe Hisaishi and Jiang Wen

Jo Hisaishi will be producing the soundtrack for Jiang Wen’s Let the Bullets Fly. Jiang Wen has just returned from discussions in Tokyo to go over the film score. The two have previously collaborated on The Sun Also Rises. (Sina)

The Monkey King poster

Donnie Yen celebrates birthday and gets plastered

Donnie Yen works with SFX team from ‘300′ to prepare for the official October start of the 3D Monkey King tale of wreaking Havoc in Heaven

In related news, Google reported that in the first six months of the year, Chrissie Chau and Angelababy came in 5th and 9th most searched for of the pseudo-models. Jessica C. (actually, a real model) came in 10th. No1. and No.2 were Carol and Dada (Chen Jing). Probably, their popularity is proportionate to their bust sizes. (Sina)

Hong Kong media reports that a grateful husband gave Gigi Lai a French yacht valued 15 million yuan in appreciation for risking birth at her advanced age (39). The luxury yacht is named Bon-heur, or Happiness. (Xinhua)

Dodo Cheng was among those who attended an event and received free limited edition iPhone 4s. Dodo, who rarely goes out in the evenings, was willing to suffer to get her hands on the iPhone 4 as she is a fan of the product since the first generation was introduced.

In order to accommodate the couple’s numerous friends and associates in Hong Kong who were left out of their first wedding celebration, and avoid disturbing other restaurant guests, Wu decided to hire two event halls for the ‘make up’ wedding.

The couple donated all the gifts they received at the wedding to charity and gave a nod to conservation by dropping shark fin soup from the menu in favour of chicken soup.

Chrissie sexied up for the last day of publicity at Causeway Bay. Perhaps erring the day before yesterday for an early morning appearance and dressing too conservatively (the red dress?), only 50 fans queued up today. (Sina), 2

When he last appeared three years ago, he was interrogated by Dee Hsu (also known as Xiao S) on his highly-speculated romantic relationship with fellow Taiwanese actress, Shu Qi…When Xiao S tried to quiz the latter on his rumoured relationship with Shu Qi, the four-time Golden Melody award winner tried to avoid the topic by lying flat on the floor. Xiao S followed suit despite wearing a mini dress.

The man is reportedly a fan who once idolised Chung but became disillusioned when photos of the singer in compromising positions with Hong Kong star Edison Chen surfaced in 2008 and decided to commit such acts to harm the actress. HKStandard: Angry Gillian fan in porn disc flap

The script for Feng Xiaogang’s If You Are the One 2 has been approved by the SARFT. The film has a new new Chinese title, Don’t Worry. (Xinhua)

Producer-actress Qin Hailu’s Steel Guitar/Steel Piano is undergoing post-production in South Korea in preparation for screening at the Venice Film Festival. The film won Most Creative and Most Popular awards at the Shanghai Film Festival. Director-writer Kwak Jae-Yang is most famous for the hit film My Sassy Girl. (Sina)

Choi’s manager, Mani Fok, explained that Choi had been travelling a lot lately and simply over-exerted herself, adding that she has since received treatment at a hospital and has returned home Thusday morning.

“Charlene fainted after over-exerting herself, so she could not attend the Shanghai event. However, she is not taking sick leave and will return to work today (Friday) to shoot a commercial.

“I have been ill lately and have been constantly taking medicine. However, I couldn’t handle the large quantity of medication. Today, I was supposed to turn up for the ‘Angels on the Road’ publicity event in Shanghai. But before I left, my stomach felt very uncomfortable.” (Xinhua), (Sina)

Connie Chan brings her Hong Kong opera show to The Venetian in Macau

Nam Fung, Connie Chan Po-Chu, Chan Wing-Yee

Nam Fung and Chan Wing-Yee will be performing for 14 months at the hotel. (Sina)

Funeral services were held July 10 for veteran film, TVB actor and teacher Chan Yau-Hau who passed away June 12 at the age of 93 (95 or 96 in other reports). A mentor to many younger actors, Anthony Wong said if not for Chan there would be no me. He taught me the history of Chinese drama, Wong said. After the war, he taught drama while holding a single light bulb in one hand according to Wong. Former students Chow Yun-Fat, Liza Wong, Andy Lau, Lau Ching-Wan sent wreaths to the funeral hall while Alex Man, Kam Kwok-Leung, Maggie Chan Mei-Kei attended in person. Other students of the drama teacher included Johnnie To, Ringo Lam and Ng Man-Tat. (21.cn), (sohu)(singtao.ca), 2

First poster for Benny Chan’s City Under Siege released

Unveiling ceremony and web site launch with Enlight Pictures and Sina executives with Zhang Jingchu

Preview audiences ahead of the July 22 release of Feng Xiaogang’s Aftershock are being moved to tears. But at the same time, the number of product placements for liquor, automobile, insurance, communications and down jacket brands has viewers chuckling during the movie. Though product placements are normal these days, for such a serious film it is not appropriate said one Shanghai viewer. (Sina)

Josie Ho’s father, gambling king Stanley Ho, suddenly checked into the hospital July 7. He was subsequently released but reporters saw medical equipment being delivered to Ho’s mansion. Josie Ho celebrates her 10th anniversary of marriage to Conroy Chan this November. (Sina), 2

Zhou Xun, Jia Hongsheng

A painting of Zhou Xun and the late Jia Hongsheng resurfaced recently. It was first exhibited in 2007 in the Chinese New Realism Oil Paintings Exhibition. Zhou Xun was a good friend of the painter and often posed for the artist but this painting was based on a photograph as Zhou Xun was busy working at the time. (Xinhua)

Gigi Leung

Gigi Leung recently spent 60,000 yuan to redesign her personal web site to accommodate Traditional, Simplified Chinese and English to make it internationally friendly and expand her market.

Aftershock, the new film by Feng Xiaogang seems on course to break one record even before the first audience member files in. The film is to receive the widest theatrical release in modern Chinese history.

Lu Chuan confirmed Chow Yun-Fat will appear in his ‘King’s Feast’ (previously, Banquet at Hongmen, in Chinese) as rumored back here on (3.27). Chow will play Liu Bang, First Emperor of the Han Dynasty. Filming will begin in October with a 2011 Chinese National Day (Oct.1) release target. (Sina)

The upcoming basketball film “Amazing” will be produced by the Shanghai Film Group Corporation (SFGC) and the National Basketball Association (NBA) and will begin shooting this August, the Oriental Morning Post reports.

A handful of Asian actors will get the chance to play with those great players for the project. Actors who may appear in the film include Jay Chou, Daniel Wu, Wu Chun, Peter Ho, Han Geng, Huang Xiaoming, Shawn Yue, Ethan Ruan, Mark Chao and Nicholas Tse.

Acclaimed director Peter Chan will be directing a re-telling of Chang Cheh’s classic, One-Armed Swordsman, but he will not be allowed to use the same title as he was not able to acquire the rights to the original.

The rights to the original movie was acquired by Celestial Pictures and the company had an agreement with Peter’s long-time partner, Teddy Chan. Due to a fall-out earlier, Peter will be flying solo and has decided to do a re-telling of One-Armed Swordsman.

“Stephen wanted to film it in a more comic-book fashion, which was different from what we intended.”

“The Green Hornet has a fixed structure to it, like how Green Hornet and Kato are buddies and will work together to fight villains. This part of the story cannot be changed but Stephen wanted something different, so he had to leave.”

The trailer has revealed splendid visual effects and many innovative ideas. The explosion scenes, which usually dominate Benny Chan’s films, will take the audience’s breath away in this film by blowing up more than 30 different vehicles including cars, trucks and even buses. The budget for explosions has been added up to more than 70 million yuan (US$10 million).

The film tells a story of love and hatred, which takes place in the wilderness of Yinchuan during the 1920s. In order to pirate the treasure successfully, the advisor of Escort (Yu Dongjiang) sets a trap to provoke the chieftain of Escort (Vincent Chiao) and his wife (Miao Pu) against each other. Eventually, it evolves into warfare between them in the wilderness.

Tien Niu

Tien Niu was in Shanghai to promote her TV series a Chinese version of The Devil Wears Prada. She would not rule out working with ex-husband Alex Man if given the opportunity. Alex Man returned to show business and will appear on stage in a production of Faust. Tien Niu also said she would not encourage their daughter to enter show business even though she recently made her television debut.

Edison Chen in Taipei for a book signing denied recent rumors of a break up with Vincy Yeung. Vincy has not been seen by his side at recent events leading to the rumors. Edison was also recently seen clubbing with a new 18 year-old girl. (Xinhua)

A recent drop in Huayi stock price has caused Li Bingbing’s shares to drop over 10 million yuan. (Xinhua)

The action star also took the opportunity to reiterate that he is not retiring from the movies and said that he would “continue to do films” as long as it did not interfere with his running of his charity, One Foundation.

July 2, 2010

The Hong Kong government announced Thursday that the veteran director has been bestowed the Silver Bauhinia Star in recognition of his contributions to Hong Kong and Chinese cinema. The award is named after the semiautonomous territory’s official flower. (BBC)

Gigi Lai who is six months pregnant, reportedly with twins, is still managing her brother’s beauty clinic business. She recently suffered internal hemorrhaging but was released from the hospital and advised to take bed rest by doctors. (Xinhua)